It only seems a short time ago since we were witnessing the dramatic finale of Euro 2020 – although we can be forgiven for thinking that wasn’t four summers ago as the competition was, of course, held 12 months later than scheduled.
Yet here we are again and it won’t be too long before excitement starts to build all over again for another European summer showpiece.
This time it’s in Germany and pretty much all the big European nations will be there.
Euro 2024 takes place from June 14 to July 14 and, even though there are a few places which won’t be determined until next month’s play-offs, we know the general gist and what stands out.
The most eye-catching fixture from a British perspective has seen Scotland given the responsibility of opening the tournament against the host nation. That match will take place at Allianz Arena, in Munich; Scotland will also face Hungary and Switzerland in a tight-looking Group A.
If that is hard, spare a thought for Wales who, if they successfully navigate play-off ties against Finland and either Poland or Estonia in March, will slot into a demanding Group D alongside France, Holland and Austria.
Quite frankly, in the post-Gareth Bale era, I cannot see any of those nations emerging from that group with both Holland and France among the favourites to lift the silverware.
The French were run close by an improving Netherlands in Amsterdam during qualifying in October and a contest for first place may yet materialise if Ronald Koeman can harness the best from a bright new generation.
Other than Spain (2008 and 2012), no nation has ever recorded back-to-back successes and I don’t feel Italy are in the position where they can repeat that triumph.
Ironically, they have been paired with Spain in Group B, which also contains Croatia and Albania.
Are Euro 2024 highlights on the way or is this a bridge too far for Luka Modric? He is now 38 so if they can emulate their second and third place finishes at the last World Cup, they will have done well.
Modric may not be the only ‘golden oldie’ midfield maestro on show this summer. His Real Madrid team-mate, Toni Kroos, although four years his junior, is reported to be considering coming out of international retirement for a final hurrah on home soil.
The nation Italy pipped to be crowned kings of Europe, England, have fared very well in the draw.
Without being complacent, a reunion with Denmark, who they were lucky to see off in the semi-finals last time, should not hold too many fears given the Danes are past their best.
Slovenia and Serbia also deserve respect and have threats but not the all-round talent of Gareth Southgate’s men in what will his swansong as national team manager.
Can he bridge the gap or will he be known as England’s nearly man?
Two groups that appear fairly straightforward are E and F.
If Ukraine qualify – by outdoing a combination of Israel, Iceland and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-offs – it will make a good news story and also bring another star name into the mix in the shape of their manager, former prolific forward Serhiy Rebrov (once of Tottenham Hotspur).
They would then join Belgium (new era), Slovakia (fine players but always underdogs), Romania (in fine form but a far cry from the Gheorge Hagi era) in Group E.
After an early World Cup exit, there will be plenty of eyes on Domenico Tedesco’s side who are only being tipped with the SBOTOP Euro 2024 betting odds as sixth favourites for the tournament.
Many of their ‘golden generation’ have now retired and, while this may ease the pressure on the Belgians, they are not serious contenders in my mind.
The former Belgium boss, Roberto Martínez, is now with Portugal who are favourites in Group F which they will contest along with Turkey, Czech Republic and a play-off winner.
With the ever-green Cristiano Ronaldo still their main man – this will be his final tournament – they qualified with a perfect 10 wins from 10. Turkey may be one to watch under the management of Vincenzo Montella who has caught the eye, particularly after recent away victories in Germany and Croatia.
As for predictions, it is always dangerous to embark on such a task – especially five months before a tournament when and when we don’t quite know the full line-up – but as I have been asked, here goes:
Teams to progress
Group A: Germany and Switzerland
Group B: Spain and Italy
Group C: England and Denmark
Group D: France and Holland
Group E: Belgium and Slovakia
Group F: Portugal and Turkey
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